Put Down the Hot Toddy: Everything you Need to Know to Start Skiing with your Friends

It happens every January. Your friends rent a cabin in Tahoe, grab their snowboards and gear, and hit the slopes. And you? You’re “happy to stay in and drink a hot toddy by the fire.” Cut to four hours later — your friends have all bonded in the snow and worked up an appetite and you’re passed out on the couch. Sound familiar? Don’t let this year follow the same pattern — Sports Basement is here to help you gather all the gear you need and get you set to hit the slopes with friends. All you need to do is find a cute ski instructor and you’re good to go.

Where to Start

It may seem daunting and expensive, but heading to the snow for a weekend can be relatively cheap and easy. Sure, you can invest in some pieces that will last you a lifetime, but if it’s your first time, we recommend renting. Whatever you do, don’t borrow gear. Skis and snowboards are meant to fit your height and weight, so don’t think you can use your abnormally tall friend’s skis from two years ago. Sports Basement makes renting quick, easy, and, most importantly, inexpensive. Follow our handy little checklist and you’ll be ready to go in no time.

First-Timer Tips

Once you’ve got your gear together, you’re ready to set out on your adventure. There’s no preparing you for what you’ll find on the slopes (and all the times you’ll end up falling), but we can tell you a few pointers to keep in mind before your first time:

Learn the lingo: You know what they say — fake it ‘till you make it. Brush up on some snowboarding lingo like: “shreddin’ the gnar,” “wipe out,” “pow” (short for “powder”), and “fresh tracks” (freshly fallen snow).

Don’t wear jeans or cotton: Unless you want to act like a sponge and soak up all that freezing water. Your best bet is a nylon windbreaker, if you don’t go with the full uniform.

Do your stretches: There’s nothing worse than spending a day on the slopes, reeling with excitement to get back the next day, only to wake up unable to move. Check out these 6 stretches for skiers and snowboarders.

Wear sunscreen: It’s hard to imagine that when you’re piling on the layers you’ll also need to pile on the SPF. But the UV rays reflecting off the snow can be even more potent than a beach vacation.

Get off the lift:This may be the hardest part for beginners. Watch this handy little video to help you get off the lift with ease.

Have some Advil ready: Stretches or not, you’ll end up on your bum more times throughout the day than you’d imagine. Load up on the Advil for some post-snow relief.

Pick that hot toddy back up: You’ve earned it.

Trust us, you’ll still get that hot toddy after a day on the slopes (Alisa Anton/Unsplash).

Rental Checklist

Sure, snowboarding is all the rage these days, but renting means you can test out both skiing and snowboarding. A ski package (including poles and boots) or a board and boots can be rented for as little as $35 a day. Head online and choose a package (or rent individual items if you happen to have some snow gear stashed in your closet) then stop into your local Sports Basement (check locations here) to pick them up.

If you’re planning a scenic hike through the snow, you’re going to want a pair of snowshoes. These boot-like contraptions spread your weight evenly to prevent you from sinking into freshly fallen snow. For $15 a day, you can rent a sleek pair.

Unfortunately, novice skiers and snowboarders are bound to fall … a lot. There’s no shame in that! Just make sure you’re appropriately prepared with a quality helmet and you’ll be fine. That’s what the hot toddy reward is for at the end of the day (which is so much more satisfying after you’ve returned from the slopes)!

Get outfitted from head to toe by Sports Basement and they’ll be sure to keep you warm and dry. You can rent items a la carte (like solo pants, jackets, gloves, and goggles) or get them as a complete package. Choose from North Face, Columbia, or Trespass and hit the slopes in style.

Apparel packages range from $55-65 for the entire weekend and you can even get your duds shipped to your front door. Solo jackets are just $20-30 a day, pants go for $10-15, gloves for $8-10, and goggles for $10. You can also rent boots for trekking around and building snowmen for a cool $10 a day.

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